PADAWAN: Villagers at Kampung Emperoh Karu are eager to develop little heard-of Rembung Cave into a tourism and recreational destination.
The villagers, along with members of the Padawan 4X4 Adventure Club and Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin, went on an expedition to Rembung Cave, located approximately 2.5 km from the village on Saturday (Sept 21).
More than 100 participants, including some from Sabah, joined the expedition.
The journey through unpaved dirt roads into the jungle involved steep climbs, which however posed no challenge for the four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Some participants chose to hike from the village, while others opted for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
After reaching the end of the road, everyone continued on foot, following a trekking path that led to the cave, a 15 to 20-minute walk.
Chairman of the Kampung Emperoh Karu Recreational and Tourism Bureau, Jaya Budis, said Rembung Cave is just one of several caves in the area.
However, he said these caves remain relatively unknown to the public.
“The purpose of this expedition is for everyone to explore the cave, as it has the potential to become a tourist attraction. Not only Rembung Cave, but there are other caves and attractive spots nearby.
“Still, we need to make preparations. This is the first expedition we’ve held today in collaboration with the Padawan 4X4 Adventure Club,” said the 63-year-old.
Jaya also expressed gratitude to Willie for the RM100,000 grant to construct a 3km farm road leading to Rembung Cave.
He added that there are recreational spots near the cave entrance where visitors can swim in the river and enjoy barbeques.
“There are also spots for rock climbing, hiking, and trekking. We want people to experience the variety of activities that can be done here,” Jaya said.
Head of Kampung Emperoh Karu, Noing Sejim, noted that the river flowing into the cave used to be knee-deep but has since become shallower, allowing people to explore the cave more easily.
“Now that the river is shallow, visitors can enter the cave and explore the natural rock formations all the way to the exit. We haven’t explored beyond the cave exit yet, but we are planning to clear the area later to create a trekking path,” he said.
The 67-year-old added that the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) previously visited the cave and recognised its potential as a tourist attraction.
Thanks to the efforts and support from the Puncak Borneo MP and the Padawan 4X4 Adventure Club, Noing said the villagers are motivated to continue developing and improving their tourism products.
“When they come for expeditions like this, it boosts our morale and determination to enhance this place and other tourism products we have. It has become a reality.
“We have formed a committee to work on these initiatives and to organise gotong-royong activities to improve the facilities for tourists,” he added.
